DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LOCKING LOOPS AND GRASPING LOOPS - EFFECTS ON 2-STRAND CORE SUTURE

The differences between locking and grasping configurations used to su ture lacerated flexor tendons were evaluated using a 2-strand core mod el in human cadaver tendon. Locking suture configurations tighten arou nd bundles of tendon fibers with tension, while grasping loops do not tighten around but pull through tendon fibers and distract with tensio n. The greatest tensile strength was found in 1-locking, 2-locking, an d 2-grasping suture loop configurations per suture strand. The 2-grasp ing loops per suture strand, however, had the great est distraction (g apping) as the suture material pulled through the tendon. A single loc king configuration per strand yielded the maximum tensile strength wit h reduced distraction (gapping) at the repair site.